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    Macbook air 11 2010 newbie questions

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by brighter, Nov 23, 2011.

  1. brighter

    brighter Newbie

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    Hello all,

    I have just ordered a 2010 air 11" 1.4ghz 128 ssd 2 GB RAM Nvidia 320M graphics card. It was on sale and I thought I'd jump across to apple as my xp laptop is on its last legs. I'm new to apple. I will be using the machine only for word processing, web browsing and maybe some light gaming. I have a few questions, I wonder if anyone can help:

    1. with the purchase I can download Lion free. Should I? Given the specs and the limited RAM will the machine noticeably slow down? If I do download it is it easy to remove were I to experience any problems?

    2. Does anyone have a suggestion about a good free office suite (including a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software)? I have used Open Office for windows and I don't like it much (I find it slow and cumbersome and totally non-intuitive on my XP machine). I have been using MS Office for years which I quite like. I have heard good reports about Neo Office. any thoughts? I'd like something that is well integrated in to the Mac OS and uses its different functions well.

    3. I would be interested in having a dual boot. I imagine that I can use Windows XP on the machine? (I don't have a windows 7 disk and don't really want to purchase one). Just for some occasional gaming. Which brings me to my 4th question:

    4. The only game I ever play is EA Sports Fifa 09. The recommended system requirements for that are:
    Processor: AMD or Intel Dual Core Processor
    Memory: 2 GB
    Graphics: 7800 Nvidia graphics card or ATI equivalent
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c
    Sound: DirectX Compatible
    Hard Drive: 4 GB
    Would it run on the air?

    many thanks for any and all answers and for your time. :)
     
    brighter, Nov 23, 2011
    #1
  2. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    Only windows 7 is supported on the 2010 macbook air. That means they don't provide drivers for your computer and XP.

    As far as performance, the 320m doesn't match up to the 7800 in terms of performance. The 1.4ghz core 2 duo is also nearly the bottom of performance for dual core processors.

    I think it will run OK but not great
     
    masterchef341, Nov 23, 2011
    #2
  3. Michel.K

    Michel.K 167WAISIQ

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    Why use such an old operating system as windows XP? It belongs to the stone age today. Use windows 7 instead, faster and more reliable, and supports more things.
     
    Michel.K, Nov 24, 2011
    #3